Sensor derived authentication for establishing peer-to-peer networks

Abstract

Methods, systems and devices for generating an authentication key are provided. Two or more communications devices can generate an authentication key by monitoring a physical stimulus that is experienced by both devices (e.g., a common physical stimulus). Each device can then use an identical, predetermined algorithm to generate a common authentication key based on the stimulus. The devices can use the common authentication key to establish a secure network.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for establishing a protected communication channel between a first device and a second device, the method comprising, at the first device:
 in response to detecting a presence of the second device based on at least one wireless signal communicated between the first device and the second device: 
 displaying, within a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of the first device, information pertaining to a required stimulus to establish the protected communication channel with the second device; 
 detecting the required stimulus; 
 generating, in response to the required stimulus, a first encryption key, wherein the first encryption key matches a second encryption key that is generated by the second device in response to the required stimulus; and 
 establishing the protected communication channel with the second device using the first encryption key. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the required stimulus comprises a characteristic value, and the first encryption key and the second encryption key are generated based on the characteristic value. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the required stimulus is detected by the first device using a sensor, and the required stimulus is provided via an exciter of the second device. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein an exciter is configured to generate the required stimulus comprising at least one of a vibration, light, and sound. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the required stimulus comprises a physical tap, and the method further comprises:
 causing at least one first sensor on the first device to detect the physical tap made against the first device, and 
 correspondingly causing at least one second sensor on the second device to detect physical taps made against the second device. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising displaying, on the GUI, an indicator of a progress of establishing the protected communication channel. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the information describes a type of the required stimulus required to establish the protected communication channel, a number of times to provide the required stimulus to establish the protected communication channel, or some combination thereof. 
     
     
       8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor on a first device, cause the first device to carry out steps that include:
 in response to detecting a presence of a second device based on at least one wireless signal communicated between the first device and the second device: 
 displaying, within a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of the first device, information pertaining to a required stimulus to establish a protected communication channel with the second device; 
 detecting the required stimulus; 
 generating, in response to the required stimulus, a first encryption key, wherein the first encryption key matches a second encryption key that is generated by the second device in response to the required stimulus; and 
 establishing the protected communication channel with the second device using the first encryption key. 
 
     
     
       9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of  claim 8 , wherein the required stimulus comprises a characteristic value, and the first encryption key and the second encryption key are generated based on the characteristic value. 
     
     
       10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of  claim 8 , wherein the required stimulus is detected by the first device using a sensor, and the required stimulus is provided via an excited of the second device. 
     
     
       11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of  claim 8 , wherein an exciter is configured to generate the required stimulus comprising at least one of a vibration, light, and sound. 
     
     
       12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of  claim 8 , wherein the required stimulus comprises a physical tap, and the steps further include:
 causing at least one first sensor on the first device to detect the physical tap made against the first device, and 
 correspondingly causing at least one second sensor on the second device to detect physical taps made against the second device. 
 
     
     
       13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one processor is further to display, on the GUI, an indicator of a progress of establishing the protected communication channel. 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of  claim 8 , wherein the information describes a type of the required stimulus required to establish the protected communication channel, a number of times to provide the required stimulus to establish the protected communication channel, or some combination thereof. 
     
     
       15. A first device, comprising:
 at least one processor; and 
 at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: 
 in response to detecting a presence of a second device based on at least one wireless signal communicated between the first device and the second device: 
 display, within a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of the first device, information pertaining to a required stimulus to establish a protected communication channel with the second device; 
 detect the required stimulus; 
 generate, in response to the required stimulus, a first encryption key, wherein the first encryption key matches a second encryption key that is generated by the second device in response to the required stimulus; and 
 establish the protected communication channel with the second device using the first encryption key. 
 
     
     
       16. The first device of  claim 15 , wherein the required stimulus is detected by the first device using a sensor, and the required stimulus is provided via an excited of the second device. 
     
     
       17. The first device of  claim 15 , wherein an exciter is configured to generate the required stimulus comprising at least one of a vibration, light, and sound. 
     
     
       18. The first device of  claim 15 , wherein the required stimulus comprises a physical tap, and the at least one processor is further to:
 causing at least one first sensor on the first device to detect the physical tap made against the first device, and 
 correspondingly causing at least one second sensor on the second device to detect physical taps made against the second device. 
 
     
     
       19. The first device of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one processor is further to display, on the GUI, an indicator of a progress of establishing the protected communication channel. 
     
     
       20. The first device of  claim 15 , wherein the information describes a type of the required stimulus required to establish the protected communication channel, a number of times to provide the required stimulus to establish the protected communication channel, or some combination thereof.